Olivia Cieslak announces commitment to Stanford University
Olivia Cieslak, one of the nation's top middle-distance runners and Pennsylvania standout, will continue her career at Stanford University.
The Haverford Township senior announced her commitment via Instagram Tuesday evening.
Cieslak will join the ranks of Juliette Whittaker, U.S. Olympian and defending indoor and outdoor NCAA 800m Champion, and Rosin Willis, the 2023 NCAA Indoor 800m Champion--an appropriate fit for the 2:04.77 800m runner.
Cieslak is a well-versed competitor with a remarkable list of accomplishments.
Cieslaks wheelhouse may be on the track, but she still boasts impressive long-distance ability on the grass. Less than two weeks ago, she led her team, finishing 5th in 18:42.0, to the PIAA 3A state cross-country title. She also has a wicked 17:35.7 5K personal best.
The indoor track is where Cieslak starts to make waves on the national scale. Last year, she placed second in the 800 at New Balance Nationals Indoor, running a personal best of 2:06.22. Earlier in the season, she ran a blazing 4:46.29 to win the Garden State Invitational 1600m.
Cieslak after the 800 at New Balance Indoor Nationals
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Another noteworthy indoor performance by Cieslak was her anchor leg for the 4x400m relay at last year's PTFCA Indoor State Championships. Cieslak received the baton beside legendary PA sprinter and jumper Avery Lewis. Cieslak showcased her footspeed by holding off one of the nation's top sprinters for the win.
Cieslak's outdoor track accolades are where things start getting crazy. Last spring, Cieslak ran 2:04.77 to win a loaded field at the Fords Track Classic. Her time remains the U.S. No.3 time run by a high schooler in 2024. She carried that momentum to defend her PIAA State title in 2:07.6, finish third at Brooks PR in 2:05.7 and finish ninth at New Balance Nationals Outdoor in 2:06.8.
Cieslak 2:04.77 800m at the Fords Track Classic
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Cieslak has also found success in other distances on the track. Last year, she ran 4:44.57 to finish seventh place in the one mile at the Arcadia Invitational. She also won the PIAA 1600m state title in 2023 and was the runner-up last year in 4:45.35.
A year from now, Cieslak will be a member of one of the most profound middle-distance programs in collegiate running. Until then, don't miss Olivia Cieslak as she completes her historical high school campaign.
